Hi,

I am considering buying some land in Thailand and am wondering what the likely cost is going to be. I am thinking about a plot suitable for building a house, prehaps half a rai. It would be in the Kanchanaburi area, but away from premium land by the river.

I know this is a difficult question to answer as there are many variables when it comes to this kind of purchase, would appreciate if anyone (prehaps who has recently bought land) may be able to give me a rough idea.

Thanks

Ipsboy,

There are a lot of factors to be considered in the purchase of land. Price tends to drop away from tourist areas, where there is no farang involved, where facilities are available, water, electric, phone, road frontage etc. Just as a very rough guideline, we got 100ft x 500ft land with road frontage in a village area of Isaan for 30,000 baht, this included moving and electric "telegraph" pole away from where the drive was to be, clearing the first 100ft x 100ft and raising the land above road level. I considered this a bargain, but land value in the majority of Thailand is considered far differently to how it is in the UK (however, this does seem to be changing with "Western Values"). You also need to ensure that the Thai that purchases the land gets the correct chanote (spelling?) others may be able to advise more on this.

I've no idea about prices but would recommend ensuring that you have 'right of way' to your property from the main road. This isn't always included with land and the seller might not be aware of the fact.
A solicitor can check the land records on your behalf.

Good luck.

Packpao

Thanks for the advice guys, I know there is so much to consider when buying land in LOS. Going to have a look in may/june when over there, will post if any developments.

From a Thai, about land purchase/ownership.
1. Farang (this is a general nick name ,no offense intended ) do not have title to the land unless he or she adheres to several protocols. Best pay a decent lawyer who specializes in land title deed ( several form and shape : Chanote - the freehold entitlement, Nor Sor Sarm Gor or no Gor - the full entitlement with some strings attached , Por Bor Thor - this is a sort of entitlement to the particular piece of land for agricultural/re-forestation purposes with none-transferable status except inheritance to immediate heir.) See what I mean , it is worth to pay for expert advice.
2. Hidden clauses in Thai law are the public enemy number one at the best of time, right of ways could mean pedestrian only- no car nor cart allowed... for example.
3. Utilities, a water pipe running along your proposed land may not be the one you can get water supply from, same applies to telephone line/electricity etc.Have all these thoroughly checked out to avoid hiccups.
This is not to put you off going ahead with buying land and building on it, one would get the best value for money with this option, one will have to be very very careful where your money go.
Hope this helps not hinders,
Best regards,
Krit